Information regarding the depth of a tubewell was denied claiming that the related record were taken away by the CBI - CIC questioned why the office copies of records were not kept - CIC: obtain the information from CBI and provide to the appellant

20 Oct, 2014

FACTS

2. The appellant submitted that through his RTI application dated 2.9.2013, he is seeking information regarding the depth of a tubewell No.127 in Samsan Ghat, B Block, Rangapuri Expressway and the connected details like the inch of the kasin, its purchase, expenditure involved, etc. The PIO’s replied on 30.09.2013 [N.A]. The appellant filed first appeal before the FAA. The FAA by his order dated 15.10.2013, upheld the information furnished by the PIO who stated that the related record is not available as the same is taken away by the investigation agency (CBI). Claiming that the respondent authority has not furnished the information, the appellant filed 2nd appeal before the Commission.

Decision:

3. Heard the submissions made by both the parties. The respondent authority is directed to provide the latest status of investigation and details of the papers which are handed over to the investigation agency, because of which it was not possible for them to supply information to the appellant. The Commission also questions the Public Authority why it did not maintain the office copies of the handed over record to the investigation agency, as it is not a case of Investigating Agency (CBI) raiding the office and seizing the record all of a sudden. The Public Authority should have kept copies of the record before formally handing over the same to the CBI. In view of this the Commission directs the respondent authority to get the information regarding the depth of the tubewell, which the appellant is seeking, from the records handed over to the CBI, by taking their permission, within 3 weeks from the date of receipt of this order. The appeal is disposed of.